The online learning sector is about to experience an artificial intelligence revolution. Siya Raj Purohit, a member of the OpenAI education market team, recently revealed that the company is exploring the possibility of allowing e-learning instructors to create customized "GPTs," which could fundamentally change the online education model.
Purohit stated that the company hopes educators can create customized general technologies for the public to promote lifelong learning. Although this vision has not yet been implemented, it is on the company's development roadmap. Currently, educators have begun using OpenAI's existing tools to upload "semester" content and provide customized GPTs for students.
Image Source Note: Image generated by AI, image licensed by service provider Midjourney
OpenAI is focusing on education as a key growth area, having hired former Coursera Chief Revenue Officer Leah Belsky as its first General Manager of Education in September, and launching ChatGPT Edu tailored for universities this spring. A joint market research firm predicts that the AI market in education could reach $88.2 billion over the next decade.
Despite the promising outlook, there remains a cautious attitude towards AI technology in the education sector. A Pew Research Center survey found that 25% of K-12 public school teachers believe AI tools do more harm than good, while a RAND Corporation survey revealed that only 18% of educators are using AI in the classroom.
Purohit emphasized that OpenAI's models are continuously improving, aiming to find effective applications in learning and teaching. The company's vision is similar to Khan Academy's Khanmigo project, which has partnered with OpenAI to provide homework and exam tutoring for students.
Despite technical limitations, such as chatbots making errors when handling math problems, OpenAI is confident in the potential of AI in the education sector. This exploration is not only about technological innovation but also an attempt to reshape the future of learning.
